Prevention of childhood obesity is a global priority. The school setting offers access to large numbers of children and the ability to provide supportive environments for quality physical activity and nutrition. Project Energize, a through-school physical activity and nutrition programme celebrated its’ 10 year anniversary in 2015.
The need for the programme was envisioned by the Waikato District Health Board (DHB) of New Zealand in 2004. In response the programme was developed and from 2005 to 2006 delivered by Sport Waikato to 124 primary schools as a randomised controlled trial. The programme then expanded to include all 242 primary schools in the Waikato region and 70 schools in other regions; 53,000 children. Other DHBs are considering how they can deliver in their areas. While the original nine healthy eating and seven quality physical activity goals have not changed, the delivery and assessment processes has been refined and the health service adapted over the 10 years.
This programme’s unique community-based approach is inclusive of all children; 42% Māori, the indigenous people of New Zealand. The programme is now delivered in other settings including early childhood education, medical practices and schools in Cork in Ireland. Ongoing evaluation and development of Project Energize has shown it to be both a sustainable, cost effective and efficient as a childhood ‘health’ programme, and part of the answer to how to prevent obesity, starting with children.